Can You Access My Aged Care If You’re Under 65 in Australia? Exceptions, Eligibility & Support

If you’re under 65 and need help at home, you might be wondering: Can I get government-funded aged care through My Aged Care? The short answer is — in most cases, no — but there are rare, exceptional circumstances where younger people can qualify.

In this article, we explain the official age rules, the exceptions, and how FOCUS Connect can help, including for people with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or urgent housing needs.



The Standard Age Criteria

Government-funded aged care services through My Aged Care are generally available to:

• People aged 65 years and over
  
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over
  
  

These age limits apply whether you are looking for entry-level help at home, a Home Care Package, or residential aged care.

Exceptional Circumstances for Younger People

While the age rules are strict, there are rare situations where someone younger can still access aged care services. This is only considered when all age-appropriate services have been explored and found unsuitable.



Exceptional cases can include:

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50–64 years
  
• People aged 50–64 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
  
• Younger people with significant or early-onset health conditions causing frailty, disability, or loss of independence (for example, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or other progressive neurological conditions)
  
• People in urgent palliative care situations
  
• Younger people who need to stay with an older carer or close family member who is already receiving aged care services
  
  

These situations require a formal assessment and approval, usually through an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), and eligibility is not guaranteed.

The Younger People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) Initiative

The Australian Government’s long-term goal is that no one under the age of 65 lives in residential aged care unless necessary. For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, the aim is for no one under 50.

To support this goal, the YPIRAC initiative helps younger people find age-appropriate alternatives, such as:

• Specialist disability accommodation
  
• Home modifications and assistive technology
  
• Community services and housing programs
  
  

Residential aged care for younger people is only considered when no other options are available.

The Role of NDIS

For younger people who have a permanent or significant disability, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is usually the main pathway for funding and support, not My Aged Care.

NDIS funding can help with:

• Personal care and daily living assistance
  
• Therapy and rehabilitation
  
• Home modifications and equipment
  
• Support to stay engaged in the community
  
  

If you are under 65 and do not have a disability, you will not be eligible for the NDIS. In this case, other community programs, housing supports, or privately funded services are likely more suitable.

How FOCUS Connect Can Help

FOCUS Connect provides culturally appropriate and personalised support across South West Sydney and the Northern Sydney Suburbs. For younger people in exceptional circumstances, our team can:

• Support people living with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or other complex health conditions
  
• Assist with homelessness or urgent housing needs
  
• Help you understand the My Aged Care and ACAT assessment process
  
• Offer private, self-funded care services when government funding is not available

Should You Apply Through My Aged Care if You’re Under the Age Limit?

For most people under 65 (or under 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), the answer will be no, unless there are strong medical, social, or housing reasons that make aged care the most suitable option.

If you do not meet the age criteria, your assessment will almost always direct you to alternative supports such as the NDIS or local community services.

However, if you have significant care needs and no other service can meet them, it may still be worth discussing your situation with My Aged Care.



Final Word

The age criteria for government-funded aged care are there to make sure older Australians get the support they need. But the system does recognise that some younger people face exceptional circumstances. These cases are rare, require thorough assessment, and are always considered alongside other available supports.



If you are younger than the standard age limit and think you may meet one of these exceptions, contact FOCUS Connect to explore your options. Our team can guide you through the process and help connect you with the right support.